Starting Problem

[NoMechanicHere]

Hi everyone. First post here!

Ok, so I've got a Merc 4.3LX/V6 with a BRAND NEW deep cycle marine battery. Went to start her for the first time this year and when I turned the key all I heard was one click - determined the click was coming from the slave solenoid. Tried bypassing the main starter solenoid and got the starter to spin but it wouldn't engage the flywheel. So then I jumped the slave solenoid by connecting the main posts with a screw driver and it did turn the starter AND engaged the flywheel. Thought It was the slave solenoid so I replaced it yesterday and I'm still getting the single click when I turn the key.

Here's the one kicker.... if I disconnect the safety lanyard and plug it back in I can get it to turn over about 1 out of 20 times. It's probably worth stating that when I do get it started the engine runs great.

Here's what I have done so far:
-Replaced battery and confirmed it is fully charged
-filed all connections to the battery, no corrosion on cables
-replaced slave solenoid and filed connectors down
-Checked fuses
-visually checked for crimps in cables

It's probably unrelated but I can't get my stereo amp to power on either. CD player works, but since amp won't power on I have no audio. Checked all fuses and they are good.

Boat is a 1996 wellcraft excel 21sl cuddy cabin.

Any suggestion as to why it clicks when I turn the key would be much appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

Howdy

Sounds to me you have a bad connection and my first thought is the ground connections.

Start by removing the battery cables and clean so they are bright shinny metal. Pay real close attention to the ground connection on the block. Then pull the engine harness connector (round 10 pin connector at rear of motor) and make sure the contacts are not corroded

 

[Bondo]

-filed all connections to the battery, no corrosion on cables

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... Ya gotta do the Other ends of those cables too,....

 

[NoMechanicHere]

Thanks a ton guys. Im about to do that right now and will keep both of you posted on the results. Stay tuned...

 

[Bt Doctur]

And Deep Cycles are not the best for a starting battery

 

[NoMechanicHere]

Having trouble locating that round 10 pin connector. I know you said it was near the rear of the motor. Spent about 10 minutes looking but couldn't find it. Can someone point out where it might be located?

 

[Bt Doctur]

either on the rear of the motor or in the riser.Locate a big black cable the size of your thumb coming from the transom .That plugs into the motor at some point
At the motor connection it will have a hose clamp, loosen it and pull straight back

 

[NoMechanicHere]

I'll look for that when I get home. Thanks for the help Bt!

 

[Bt Doctur]

.............................

 

[NoMechanicHere]

No dice gentlemen. I located the adapter and cleaned it, although it wasn't very dirty or corroded. Also filed and cleaned the connections to the safety lanyard just to rule that out. Still getting the single click at the slave solenoid.

Battery was used at the end of last season and worked great. Took it to auto zone the other day and they tested and confirmed it was good and charged, so I can't imagine it's a battery issue.

Again, if I connect both posts on the brand new slave solenoid the engine turns over just fine. Plus the single click it makes should verify it's functioning properly, I think.

What do you suggest I try next?

 

[alldodge]

Get a test light or volt meter, (volt meter is better) and see if you get 12V on the Yellow/Red wire at the key when turned to START. If 12V is found go to the slave solenoid and the small terminal and see if you get 12V on the small Yellow/Red wire. If you get 12V there, need to check the small black wire on the other terminal and check continuity between it and ground